Things to do in Milford-on-sea

Milford on Sea is a lovely, quaint coastal
village with plenty to do, see and explore...

Walk along the cliff top of Milford beach to Hordle Cliff beach and take in the breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles. Hordle Cliff is known for its shingle beach and array of colourful beach huts. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream from Parky’s kiosk.

Explore the Pleasure Grounds; 14 acres of ancient woodland that follows the Dane Stream and is part of the Milford on Sea conservation area. There are often horses grazing in the fields, plenty of deer, rabbits
and badgers, and is soon to be home to cows.

Just down the road from the Red Lion is the hamlet of Keyhaven. From here you can take a casual stroll or bike ride along the sea wall to the Lymington Nature Reserve, view one of the most beautiful harbours on the Solent or visit the Sturt Pond and Keyhaven Nature Reserve.

Here, you will most likely see the New Forest ponies grazing and be able to go crabbing from the Sturt Pond wooden bridge – great for a lazy afternoon.

Probably the most popular tourist attraction of Milford on Sea is the famous Hurst Castle which is situated at the end of Hurst Spit, a 1.5 mile long shingle bank that connects Milford beach to the castle and lighthouse. While walking along the spit, make sure to take in the beautiful views of the Isle of Wight, the Solent and the nature reserve.

Hurst Castle was one of Henry VIII’s device forts where Charles I was imprisoned before being taken to London for his trial and execution. It is open to the public and has a variety of exhibitions on display, as well as a small cafe for refreshments. Remember to climb to the top of the centre keep as these views are just incredible. There is also the Hurst Ferry which takes you to and from the castle from Keyhaven Harbour and also allows dogs.

Milford-on-sea may be small but it is a hub of activity and there is always something going on.

Events

Music & Arts FestivalThe music festival is held every year in July/August and provides four days of free entertainment, kid’s activities and live music from local bands.

Milford Food Week
Returning in April 2014, there will be plenty of themed events, cookery demonstrations, celebrity chefs, local produce, food market and local events.

Milford Carnival
August sees the traditional carnival procession travel through the village. Throughout the day there will be plenty for all the family with kid’s entertainment, food stalls and music.

The New Forest Show
The New Forest show is held at the end of July each year in Brockenhurst. There are livestock shows, competitions, food stalls, local produce, shopping stalls and tents, live music and the famous Ringwood beer tent!

Cowes Week
This famous sailing event begins on the first Saturday in August and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. With 40 daily races for over 1,000 boats, brilliant parties and events and its famous firework displays.

Bournemouth Air Festival
The award-winning beach at Bournemouth is home to the air festival over four days at the end of every August. This is a free event and promises fun for the whole family.

Southampton Boat ShowThe UK’s leading festival of boating is held in Southampton near the end of every September.